The curtain will rise on Friday 27 June with the energy and freshness of the quartet led by the young and talented double bass player from Salento Andrea Esperti. A sonic itinerary born between Bologna and Salento, made of encounters, research and passion. Andrea Esperti (with Matteo Scarcella on tenor sax, Filippo Galbiati on piano and Marco Girardo on drums) arrives at the Nardò Jazz Festival with original, intense and deeply communicative music. The result of the collaboration between Andrea and some of the musicians closest to his artistic vision, the project combines the language of jazz with classical influences and modern contaminations. Instrumental music, profound but accessible, capable of touching simple and emotional chords, without confining itself within the confines of a few insiders. Unpublished compositions, refined interplay, shared energy: each song is a demonstration of how the whole can go beyond the sum of its parts. Last March they recorded their first album and now they are ready to share its energy live, in a concert where creativity and mutual listening will be at the center of the scene.

Saturday 28 June turns the spotlight on one of the brightest voices on the international jazz scene, Francesca Tandoi, an extraordinary pianist, refined vocalist and charismatic band leader. On stage with her close-knit trio, she will be accompanied by two talents on the world jazz scene: the Brazilian double bass player Matheus Nicolaiewsky and the Dutch drummer Sander Smeets. Together they will present the new album Bop Web with a surprising show, full of swing, virtuosity and pure emotion. Francesca is a true rising star of European jazz, capable of enchanting audiences all over the world: from Umbria Jazz to the North Sea Jazz Festival, from Japan to the United States, she has played with legends such as Scott Hamilton, Michael League, Darius Brubeck and many others. With over 20 albums to her credit, she is considered "one of the most interesting young talents on the European jazz scene" (Jazz Life Magazine).

Sunday 29 June closes in style with the magnetic live performance of the extraordinary Emma Smith, one of the most powerful, versatile and refined voices on the contemporary British jazz scene. A charismatic singer and impeccable performer, Emma is known for her overwhelming stage presence and a style that blends precise vocal technique and irresistible swing. On stage she will be accompanied by an exceptional quartet, with some of the most sought-after musicians in the United Kingdom: Jamie Safir on piano, Jack Tustin on double bass and Luke Tomlinson on drums. With an international career behind her, Emma Smith has collaborated with music giants such as Michael Bublé, Curtis Stigers, Seal, Wynton Marsalis and the BBC Concert Orchestra. She has graced the stages of the Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the biggest European jazz festivals. A voice capable of crossing decades of jazz history with modernity and class, giving emotions with every note.

This is an event organized by Punto di Incontro a.p.s. in collaboration with the Municipality of Nardò and Eclettico Lab. The Nardò Jazz Festival will be hosted every evening, starting at 9:30 pm, in the Botanical Garden of the castle. Admission is free.